2010 NFL Draft Report Card Grade: Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans
Nov 13, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Damian Williams (17) scores a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Titan Sized continues their 2010 NFL Draft report card evaluations with a look at the Tennessee Titans and their second pick in that draft: Damian Williams, WR, USC. The Titans drafted Williams with the first of two third-round picks, No. 77 overall. Before Williams was drafted, New Era Scouting had this to say about the receiver:
Williams, because he transferred from Arkansas following the 2006 season, played three seasons at the collegiate level despite being in school for four years. His record off the field is clean and Pete Caroll raves about his character. On the field, Williams led the Trojans offense in receiving for two straight seasons as he proved to be a guy that can do it in a variety of ways. He is mainly a short-to-intermediate threat that runs impeccable routes and catches most passes near his body. He is very elusive with the ball in his hands and more than capable of being a big time playmaker at the next level. The forty time may not be as low as some prefer thus the chances of him breaking in to the first round are questionable. Should be a good pro, closer to Steve Smith than Dwayne Jarrett production wise.
After three seasons, Williams remains on the roster—barely. He has never been given much of a chance to cement his status as a slot receiver, much less an outside option with the oft-injured Kenny Britt. It’s hard to find playing time among a cast of receivers that includes three Top 34 choices since 2009. This includes Britt (2009), Kendall Wright (2012) and Justin Hunter (2013).
It’s time to look at the grades.
2010 NFL Draft Report Card Evaluation
Damian Williams, WR, USC
Round 3, Pick 77
Still With Team: YES
Career Stats
Career Games: 44
Receptions: 91
Yards: 1,135
Touchdowns: 5
Joshua Huffman (Editor): 70 (C)
"Here’s an example of a draft pick that has been devalued more for organizational misuse than lack of talent. Damian Williams has spent most of his career as a depth receiver behind Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Kendall Wright. If Williams makes the 2013-14 roster, he’ll play under this third offensive coordinator in four seasons. Don’t forget that he spent most of these last two seasons under Chris Palmer, who was known for his misuse of talent (e.g. Jared Cook). Put Williams in the right situation and he’d flourish."
Josh Gunnels (Assistant Editor, Lead Columnist): 75 (C+ to C)
"The Titans took Damian Williams as the first receiver in the third round and only the sixth prospect overall. The Titans have struggled for years to draft and develop receiver talent and were trying to add a complement to a blossoming Kenny Britt. Williams basically had a redshirt freshman campaign, but took off in 2011 with 592 yards and 5 touchdowns. The entire offense stalled out in 2012 and he went with it, but failed to see field as much in favor of newcomer Kendall Wright. The recent drafting of Justin Hunter doesn’t bode well for what the staff thinks of Williams either. Right now he’s a “serviceable” receiver."
David Fleming (Contributor): 73 (C)
"Williams had his most productive season in 2011, catching 45 passes for 592 yards and 5 TDs. However, he did not catch a single TD in either his 2010 or 2012 season. Williams has shown flashes of the soft hands that he displayed at USC, but he has failed to develop into a productive starter during his three years in Tennessee."
Titan Sized Staff (3 Participants): 72.67 (C)
"75 + 73 + 70 = (218 / 3) = 72.67"
What do Titan Sized readers think? Answer in the poll below. All grades will get averaged and tallied within the next 2-3 days.
Next Up: Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia